15-Year-Old Innovator Named ‘Kid Of The Year’ By Time Magazine

• Gitanjali Rao, 15, is a scientist and an inventor who has been named as TIME Magazine’s first “Kid of the Year.”
• She has created a lead-detecting device for water and an app that detects bullying.
• The young genius is hoping she can also inspire other kids to do things they are passionate about.

Gitanjali Rao is not your typical 15-year-old. While other youngsters her age may be busy with different things, she’s already doing her part to make the world a better place.

You see, Gitanjali is a scientist and an inventor from Colorado who has created a device that detects lead in drinking water and an anti-bullying app that utilizes AI.

Meet young prodigy Gitanjali Rao

Back in 2017, Rao won the Young Scientist Challenge for her lead-detection device, which is “capable of finding lead in drinking water with the aid of a mobile app,” a report said. ”She’s currently working to refine and commercialize her device.”

More recently, she appeared in the cover of TIME Magazine after being named as “Kid of the Year” for 2020.

This marks as the first time the publication has ever given the title and they collaborated with Nickelodeon to look for someone deserving. 5,000 kids from all over the country ages 8 to 16 were later reduced to 5 finalists and Gitanjali came out on top.

In the magazine, multi-awarded Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie interviewed her and the teen genius shared:

“Our generation is facing so many problems that we’ve never seen before. But then at the same time we’re facing old problems that still exist. Like, we’re sitting here in the middle of a new global pandemic, and we’re also like still facing human-rights issues. There are problems that we did not create but that we now have to solve, like climate change and cyberbullying with the introduction of technology.

“I think more than anything right now, we just need to find that one thing we’re passionate about and solve it. Even if it’s something as small as, I want to find an easy way to pick up litter. Everything makes a difference.“

She’s hoping to ger story becomes an inspiration to others.

“My goal has really shifted, not only from creating my own devices to solve the world’s problems, but inspiring others to do the same as well,” said Gitanjali. ”I really want to put out that message: If I can do it, you can do it, and anyone can do it.”

Watch her interview with Ellen Degeneres to learn more about her inventions: